Systems and processes for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, having at least one type of drinking recipient, for example of glass type, cup or similar, and an apparatus having a beverage discharge disposition operatively associated with a beverage preparation device adapted so that can be driven by a motorized actuation device and collect an individual portion of beverage ingredients. The apparatus has a control mechanism configured so that can process data of several operative parameters of the apparatus, including data relating to the entry of the individual portion in the beverage preparation device and data relating to the position of the actuation device, and being further configured so that can automatically determine the start and end of fluid injection and beverage discharge in a more ergonomic manner.